Good To Know – insights into the trade environment of developing economies.
Frontline Research Group are developing economy and traditional trade specialists. We have over three decades of experience working in these markets and have helped numerous multi-national as well regional brands enter or expand their operations in these markets.
Looking for analysis, insights and direction into developing economies or to obtain a quotation contact Steve Johnson, Managing Director at Frontline Research Group on Tel: +230 5493 6376 or email: steve@frontlineafrica.com
Trade news
Route To Consumer Summit – Kenya: Co-hosted by the Commercial Club of Africa (CCA) and Frontline Research Group, will be held on Friday, May 9, 2025, at Hyatt Place, Westlands, Nairobi. Click here to register. Attendance is complimentary.
Retail Tracking Syndication: Frontline Research Group is looking for syndication partners for retail audits that measure share, value, volume, distribution, price and more across Africa. Syndication is a great way to reduce the cost of gathering the data you need. Contact Steve if you would like to participate.
Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA): Through its subsidiary Coca-Cola Beverages Malawi Limited (CCBM), has invested USD14.9 million in a new state-of-the art production line in Lilongwe. Despite Malawi having a one of the smallest economies in Africa, Coca-Cola shows their belief in this country and understands the positive impact that they have on local economies.
Southeast Asia: According to the IMF, economic growth across Southeast Asia continues to expand steadily, with GDP expected to rise 4.6% year-on-year compared with a global average of 2.4%.
PalmPay: As a leading digital bank and fintech platform focused on emerging markets, PalmPay has launched the PalmPay Debit Card in Nigeria in partnership with Verve, Africa’s largest domestic card scheme. The new PalmPay Debit Card brings advanced features such as savings yield on deposits and merchant rewards within reach for mass market users in Nigeria. With zero maintenance fees, a simple in-app application process, and nationwide delivery, PalmPay aims to convert millions of its 35 million users to become cardholders this year. The card is accepted at all merchants in the Verve network, and supports both debit and contactless transactions.
Route-to-market news
Abidjan-Lagos Corridor: The $15.6 billion Lagos-Abidjan Highway, slated for construction in 2026, will connect Nigeria, Benin, Togo, Ghana and the Ivory Coast, facilitating regional trade.
TAZARA Railway: Tanzania, Zambia and China signed an agreement to modernize and expand the Tanzania-Zambia Railway (TAZARA). The upgrade will optimize the transport from Zambia, as well Tanzania, improving access to international markets via the Port of Dar es Salaam.
South Africa Renewable Energy: The South African Cabinet has approved the South African Renewable Energy Masterplan (SAREM) for implementation, targeting energy security and broader industrial growth. The plan seeks to address challenges associated with local capacity, infrastructure and investment by providing a roadmap for developing renewable energy and battery storage technologies. For investors, the plan identifies a clear pathway to advancing power projects as South African electricity demand is expected to rise two-fold by 2040.
China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI): Despite several problems this initiative is well underway in Southeast Asia. The Vientiane-Boten line was opened in 2021, and the Jakarta-Bandung line in 2023. Malaysia’s East Coast Rail Link is about 80 percent complete and is expected to be operational by 2027. In Thailand, the Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima rail link is about 40 percent complete. A second phase, which includes an additional 335 kilometers of track from Nakhon Ratchasima to the border town of Nong Khai, was recently approved by the government. It is also reported that Vietnam recently approved an $8 billion plan to build a new rail line from northern Vietnam to China.